Consultant for Legal and Institutional Frameworks

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP has grown to encompass a wide range of environmental issues and operates in over 100 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. The organization plays a crucial role in advocating for the global environment and facilitating international cooperation on environmental matters.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be engaged to provide substantive legal and policy inputs to support the ministries of environment in Gabon, Mauritania, and Syria. This role involves assisting these countries in implementing their compliance action plans as per the agreements signed with UNEP. The consultant will be responsible for developing assessments of the legal and institutional frameworks of these countries, identifying gaps in compliance with the Basel Convention, and providing guidance on legal mechanisms to ensure sustainability in their environmental practices. The consultant will also prepare various reports, presentations, and training materials to facilitate awareness-raising workshops and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the countries meet their national reporting obligations effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include:

• Developing assessments of the legal and institutional frameworks of Gabon, Mauritania, and Syria, identifying gaps in compliance with the Basel Convention.
• Creating programmes, presentations, and supporting materials for national inception meetings with stakeholders in the respective countries.
• Drafting legal and institutional mechanisms to ensure sustainability in compliance with national reporting obligations.
• Preparing materials for awareness-raising and training workshops, including consultations on draft legal mechanisms.
• Developing the third draft of legal mechanisms for stakeholder endorsement at evaluation meetings.
• Preparing the national reports for 2025 for Gabon, Mauritania, and Syria.
• Finalizing legal mechanisms based on stakeholder feedback for transmission to relevant entities for consideration and adoption.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in law, environmental sciences, or engineering. Alternatively, a first-level degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of two years of work experience in environmental law is required, with demonstrable experience in implementing and enforcing multilateral environmental agreements, particularly the Basel Convention, being highly desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in law or environmental sciences or engineering is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level degree may be considered if they have two additional years of relevant experience. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the legal and institutional frameworks of the countries involved.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of work experience in the field of environmental law. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the implementation and enforcement of multilateral environmental agreements, particularly the Basel Convention. Experience in providing legal advice and support to governmental bodies or international organizations in environmental matters will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is required for this position, including strong reading and writing skills in both languages. As the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders in the respective countries.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is from March to December. The position does not specify additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Applicants should be aware that the organization does not request information regarding bank accounts.